Pull tab opening means



March 11, 1969 N. s. KHOURY PULL TAB OPENING MEANS Filed March l1, 1966 ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,432,067 PULL TAB OPENING MEANS Nick S. Khoury, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Continental Can Company, Inc., New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Mar. 11, 1966, Ser. No. 533,611

U.S. Cl. 220-54 3 Claims Int. Cl. B65d 17/20 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure has to do with a pull tab for easy opening containers wherein the tab is of a ring shape and the principle portion of the tab is in the form of a ring shaped body. The forward part of the body is generally U-shaped and is defined lby an upstanding flange. The forward portion of the tab body terminates in a pair of transversely spaced fulcrums. A connecting panel is connected to the flange of the U-shaped forward portion along -a transverse line with the connecting panel being otherwise free of the body whereby the connecting panel is free to bend relative to the body along the transverse line. The connecting panel is provided with a rivet receiving opening, the center of which is disposed intermediate the fulci'ums and the connection between the connecting panel and flange.

This invention relates in general to new and useful iinprovements in easy opening container constructions, and more particularly to a novel pull tab.

A pnl tab for an easy opening can end has several major requirements among which are the following:

(1) The pull tab must lay substantially flat against the end panel so -as to in no way interfere with the application of the end to a can body or the combining of a plurality of so equipped cans into a package.

(2) The pull ta-b must be readily easily lifted out of engagement with the end panel so that it may be firmly gripped to facilitate the use thereof in effecting the rupture of the end panel and the tearing out of a removable panel portion to which the pull tab is secured.

(3) The pull tab must have ample strength so as to function as a lever.

(4) The constructional details of the pull tab must be such so as to provide a maximum lever action.

(5) The pull tab should be devoid of raw edges on which a person opening a can utilizing the pull tab may be accidentally cut.

(6) The construction oftthepul tab must be such that it may be readily and firmly grasped during the use thereof to open a can.

It is the object of this invention to provide a simple pull tab whichmay be readilyforined from a single sheet of metal which meets all of the above-listed requirements.

With the above and other objects inA view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:

FIGURE l is a top perspective view cf a can having the upper end thereof of the easy opening type utilizing the pull tab of this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the can of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG- URE 3.

3,432,067 Patented Mar. ll, 1969 a FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view taken through the rivet connecting end of the pull tab prior to the application thereof to the can end.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in FIGURE 1 a can of the easy opening type which is generally referred to by the numeral 10. The can 10 includes a can body 11 which has the lower end thereof (not shown) closed in a conventional manner. The upper end of the can body 11 is closed by means of an end of the easy opening type, the end being generally referred to by the numeral 12.

The can end 12 is secured to the can body 11 by means of a conventional double seam 13, which is best shown 1n FIGURE 3. The double seam 13 includes a vertical chuck wall 14. Immediately inwardly of the chuck wall 14, the can end 12 has a peripheral shock absorbing bead 15. The bead 15 extends entirely around an end panel 16 of the end 12.

The can end 12 is ing of a liquid and removable panel particularly adapted for the dispensthe end panel 16 is provided with a portion 17 which is defined by a peripheral score line 18. The removable panel portion 17 extends radially frorn substantially the center of the end panel 16 to a point adjacent the shock absorbing bead 15. At the center of the end panel 16, the removable panel portion 17 `is provided with an upstanding integral rivet 20. The rivet 20 is preferably of a reduced diameter and it is generally considered in the trade as being a small rivet. This is -by way of comparison to the size of previous rivets. The rivet 20 is utilized for the purpose of securing a pull tab 21 to the removable panel portion 17 for facilitating the initial rupture of the end panel 16 and the tearing out of the removable panel portion 17 therefrom. The pull tab 21 is of the ring pull type and will be described in detail hereinafter.

In order to reinforce the end panel 16 against undue outward deformation or flipping, they end panel 16 is provided with numerous bead arrangements which simultaneously serve to absorb the excess metal resulting from the formation of the score line 18 and to directly reinforce the end panel 16 against undue liexure. These beads or rib formations include a pair of upstanding beads 22 which are disposed on opposite sides of the removable panel 17 at the outer end thereof. The beads 22 have the added function of serving as protectors against ones mouth coming into engagement with the raw edge of the end panel which results from the tearing out of the removable Danel 17.

A generally C-shaped peripheral bead 23, which is depressed, extends from adjacent one of the beads 22 substantially entirely around the end panel 16 and terminates adjacent the other of the beads 22. A pair of shorter depressed beads 24, which are arcuate and which are concentric with the bead 23, extend from adjacent the inner ends of the beads 22 generally towards the ring pull tab 21, but terminate short thereof.

The end panel 16 is provided with a further depressed bead 25 which is superimposed over the bead 23 generally in radial alignment with the removable panel 17 and yremote therefrom. The bead 2S underlies the end of the ring pull tab 21 remote from the rivet 20 and facilitates the initial lifting of the ring pull tab 21.

The ring pull tab 21 is of a one-piece sheet metal construction and includes a body, which is generally referred to by the numeral 26, and a projecting connecting panel 27. The body 26 is of a generally horse-shoe outline and terminates on opposite sides of the connecting panel 27 in transversely spaced relation thereto in a pair of fulcru-ms 28. The body 26 includes a transverse web 29 which is disposed adjacent the fulcrum ends 28. 'Illie web 29, together with the peripheral portion of the body 26, defines a ring 30 having a finger receiving opening 31.

The body 26 is of a rigid construction and is reinforced by an inturned peripheral heim 32 which is turned beneath the body 26. The finger receiving opening 31 is defined by an outturned hem 33 which is also turned down be-neath the body 26. The hem 33 `opposes the hem 32 and cooperates therewith about a major portion of the periphery of the opening 31 to define a tubular hem 34 which is best shown in FIGURE 3.

The transversely extending web 29 has that edge thereof disposed adjacent the fulcrum ends 28 shaped to be of a generally U-shaped configuration. The U-shaped edge of the web 29, which opens away from the ring 30, is dened by a depending reinforcing flange 35. The connecting panel 27 is integrally connected to the body 26 as a projection of a central portio-n of the flange 35. The connecting panel 27 is connected to the flange 35 along substantially a transverse line only, the line being identified by the numeral 36. This facilitates the hinging of the body 26 relative to the connecting panel 27 for a reason to be described hereinafter.

It is to be noted that there is an overlapping and cooperation of the flange 35 with the hem 32 at the fulcrum ends 28. This cooperation provides for a tubular construction of the fulcrums 28, thereby rigidifying the fulcrums 28.

It is to be noted that the connecting panel 27 has opposite longitudinal edges 37 which are spaced transversely inwardly of longitudinal edges 38 of the web 29. The spacing of the edges 37 and 38 provides for the hinging action of the body 26 with respect to the connecting panel 27 without interference. In order to assure against tearing of the connecting panel 27 relative to the body 26 along the transverse line of connection between the two, adjacent ones of the edges 37 and 38 are connected together by a small radius portion `40.

In order to facilitate the attachment of the ring pull tab 21 to the removable panel 17 by means of the rivet 20, the connecting panel 27 is provided with a rivet receiving opening 41. The rivet receiving opening 41 is reinforced by a depending collar 42. As is best shown in FIGURE 6, the collar 42, prior to the application of the ring pull tab 21 to the end 12, extends down below the remainder of the ring pull tab 21.

Initially the -rivet 20 is of a tubular configuration. The connecting panel 27 is positioned over the rivet with the collar 42 engaging the upper surface of the removable panel 17. The portion of the rivet 20 projecting above the connecting panel 27 is then upset to define an enlarged head 43 which firmly retains the connecting panel 27 on the rivet 20. In the upsetting of the head of the rivet, the collar 42 is firmly driven against the removable panel 17 and an interlock between the two is formed.

In order to facilitate the initial engagement o-f ones finger beneath he ring 30, the portion of the ring 30 remote from the connecting panel 2.7 is tilted upwardly in the manner best shown in FIGURE 3. The upwardly tilted portion of the ring 30 is identified by the numeral 44 in FIGURE 2. It is to be noted that the upwardly tilted poriton 44 is aligned with the deeper recess 25.

In the use of the ring pull tab 21, ones finger is first engaged beneath the upwardly offset portion 44 of the ring 30 so as to facilitate the exerting of an upwardly directed force on the body 26. When the initial lifting of the body 26 remote from the connecting panel 27 occurs, there is a hinging of the body 26 relative to the connecting panel 27 along the transverse line 36. After the body 26 has been lifted slightly, the fulcrnms 28 engage the end panel 16 on opposite sides of the removable panel 17 and an upwardly directed force is applied on the rivet 20. At this time the body 26 has been lifted sufficiently for one to place his or her finger entirely beneath the ring 30 so that a firm engagement of the ring 30 may be obtained. A further lifting force is then applied to the body 26 with the result that the force 4applied to the removable panel 17 through the connecting panel 27 and the rivet 20 will result in the initial rupture of the end panel 16 along the score line 18 at the inner end of the removable panel 17. At this time the ring 30 is firmly engaged by ones finger and complete control over the ring pull tab 21 is maintained. After the initial rupture of the end panel, the removable panel 17 is completely torn from the end panel by applying a pulling force thereto through the ring pull tab 21.

It will be readily apparent from the drawing and the description of the ring pull tab 21 that it has no portions thereof exposed which could in any way injure one handling the same. It will also be apparent that it has sufiicient strength to resist bending during the application of a force therewith. Further, it will be seen that the relationship of the fulcrums 28 to the center of the rivet 20 is suoh that a imaximum leverage may be obtained therewith. With respect to this, it is to be particularly noted that the fulcrums 28 extend longitudinally beyond the center of the rivet 20.

Although only a preferred embodiment of the invention has been specifically illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that minor variations may be made in the pull tab Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A ring pull tab for an easy opening container, said ring pull tab being of a one-piece sheet metal construction and comprising a body of a generally horse shoe outline defined Iby a peripheral reinforcing terminating at one longitudinal end thereof in a pair of transversely spaced fulCrumS, a transversely extending web disposed adjacent said one end and said body otherwise being in the form of a large finger receiving ring defined by a hem and through which a lifting and pulling force may be exerted with said body, a connecting panel extending from said body intermediate said fulcrums and longitudinally beyond said fulcrums, and a rivet receiving opening in said -connecting panel, said web having a U-shaped outline opening away from said ring, said web U-shaped outline being defined by a depending flange having a central portion cooperating with said hem and terminal portions cooperating with said peripheral reinforcing adjacent said fulcrums to reinforce said tab, and said connecting panel being connected to said fiange along a transverse line only with said connecting panel being otherwise free of said body whereby said connecting panel is free to bend relative to said body along said transverse line.

2. The ring pull tab of claim 1 wherein the center of said rivet receiving opening is disposed intermediate said fulcrums and said finger receiving ring to provide for a maximum leverage force with said ring pull tab.

3. The ring pull tab of claim 1 wherein said connecting panel is of a uniform width with the exception of rounded corners.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,112,231 3/1938 Speidel 220--54 3,303,959 2/1967 Brown 220-54 3,349,949 10/1967 Brown et al 220-54 GEORGE T. HALL, Primary Examiner. 

